When it Comes to Simulation Software, Seeing is Believing October 25, 2018 In a perfect CNC world, the first part is always a good one. There’s no need for extra blanks or barstock. Setup times are only as long as is needed to swap out a few tools and load a new program. There’s never a crash, never the need to reprogram an inefficient bit of code. The operator just pushes the green button and out pops a finished workpiece minutes or hours later.
The Wonders—and Worries—of Round Tool Reconditioning October 29, 2018 One of the great benefits of solid round cutting tools is the ability to resharpen them after heavy use. Done right it’s like having a cat with nine lives: Dull…then like new. Dull again…and like new again. And since the cost to recondition solid tools is generally lower than the cost to replace them, there’s an economic benefit. The question then becomes what’s the best way to achieve the greatest possible benefit?
Swiss Machining Made Simpler January 30, 2019 Swiss-style machine tools can be a good choice for making complex parts. On the downside, however, Swiss machining itself has a reputation of being complex—and, therefore, more difficult to master than standard machining.
Workhorse 7000 Series Aluminum in Search of Increased MRR January 3, 2019 It’s not too difficult to understand the importance of machining aluminum for aerospace applications. High volumes of aluminum are used, principally for structural components.
Diesel Propulsion Takes to the Skies January 8, 2019 In a small town in northwestern Wisconsin, a dedicated group of engineers, designers, and machinists are working with a visionary management team on a concept that could have a revolutionary effect on general aviation and impact other forms of flight.
Bike Maker Discovers Time and Cost Savings with Specialty Toolholders March 2, 2021 Bicycles are one of the oldest modes of transportation, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t evolved with the times.
Building and Verifying Tooling for F-35 Fighter Jet Canopy September 28, 2020 Hockley Pattern & Tool, Halesowen, England, is an example of a company dedicated to the art and science of making perfect tooling.
Avoiding Costly Defects October 14, 2020 Avoiding product defects—and quickly finding and fixing those that occur—is a critical priority for all manufacturers.
Multi-Flute End Mills Produce Thoroughly Modern Milling January 26, 2021 End mills, traditionally made with two to four flutes, are used in one of the oldest mechanized machining processes—milling.
Today’s Solid-Carbide Tools Are Top Producers September 25, 2020 Solid-carbide round tools have seemingly been around forever; before them, high-speed steel (HSS) tools ruled the roost, and after them a growing selection of alternative processes like indexables, EDM, waterjet and now additive manufacturing emerged as competition.
